The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from a recent visit by former governor and senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, to the state’s incumbent Governor, Alex Otti, describing the meeting as a “purely personal engagement” that bears no alignment with the party’s stance.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Sterling Urakpa, the APC emphasized that Senator Kalu’s gesture does not in any way represent its position or that of its members, particularly as it gears up to challenge the Labour Party’s leadership in the 2027 general elections.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit was a personal engagement and does not, in any way, reflect the position or endorsement of the APC in Abia State,” Urakpa stated.
The party expressed concern over what it described as the “ill-timed commendation” of Governor Otti’s administration by Kalu, insisting that it contradicts the party’s evaluation of the current government’s performance.
According to Urakpa, the APC remains firmly critical of Otti’s tenure, citing issues such as “persistent conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and the concealment of project costs and contract details from the public.”
The statement also served as a caution to party members, urging them to refrain from engaging with opposition figures under any guise, including canvassing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Such acts, the party warned, could destabilize internal cohesion and revive the kind of disunity that marred the APC’s chances in the 2023 elections.
“We strongly disapprove of any member engaging in political fraternization with opposition figures, especially under the pretext of canvassing support for President Tinubu,” the statement read. “The party will not condone a repeat of the 2023 scenario, where certain individuals compromised party integrity without consequences.”
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The APC further called on its local leadership, particularly in the constituencies of Senators Kalu and Chris Adighije, to maintain strict vigilance and ensure the party’s unity is not compromised by personal ambitions.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, the Abia APC remains committed to upholding discipline and preventing any derailment caused by political distractions or personal ambition,” Urakpa emphasized, adding that the party would not hesitate to invoke constitutional measures to preserve its integrity.
Reiterating its readiness to reclaim Abia State in the next electoral cycle, the party dismissed any notion that praises or political niceties towards the Otti-led government could alter its resolve.
“We are focused on building a united and formidable Abia APC capable of winning elections. No visit or unfounded accolades will derail our mission to align the state with the federal government,” the statement concluded.
Urakpa also took a swipe at the current administration’s performance, urging Abians to draw comparisons with other states to assess the level of governance they are receiving.
“Abians must understand the reality of governance in the state. When compared with other states, it becomes clear how much they’ve lost while clapping with one hand,” he said.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the Abia APC is clearly drawing its battle lines—warning both its members and the opposition that unity, strategy, and party discipline will define its path forward.